Sharon O'Leary - October 2011:
I have been using public transportation while in Seattle. Once I get off the train (Link Lightrail) I always catch a bus. You can purchase an Orca card ($5 initial fee) that can be reloaded as needed. I put a free app on my phone called One Bus Away and have found it to be most useful. Not only does it give a pretty accurate time of arrival but also list all the stops along the way on the map page. This is great when the weather is really rainy so I can stay indoors until the last couple of minutes of the bus arrival. It is also helpful when planning my next destination. If you stay at the same hotel, you can bookmark that stop and the next time you log in it will give an updated time of arrival.
Unknown - September 2011:
We took the light rail from the airport - takes about 30 minutes and costs $2.75/person. After landing take the Skywalk 2 and follow the signs - it is about 3/10 of a mile to the light rail (level four of the parking structure) We got off on the University station downtoan and it is litterally a block south to the Harbor steps whick takes you right to the Waterfront (Ferries, Pike Market) area. Be sure to ride one of the Ferries - we did Bainbridge island this time (about 30 minutes each way). A day trip is perfect to explore Pike Market area. Stayed at a great place - Inn at Harbor Inn. A little pricey but great if you are only spending one night. Cheryl Hydrick - September 2007:
From the airport, Bay 2, use the Metro Transit bus that comes every 15 minutes to take you downtown for 1.50. You need to have exact change. The bus is an express number 194 and uses the highway and a tunnel downtown. The tunnel is much like an underground subway and has certain stations that it stops at rather than streets. Very easy and convenient, taking about 30 minutes. Taxis take around the same time and are approximately 28 dollars. During the day buses are free in the metro area in certain perimeters. Gina Chapin - March 2007:
We went to Seattle in November- It was awesome-we rented a car for the day but ended up parking it at the needle and taking the tram to downtown where we walked from the mall down to Union square (Pikes Market Place) and shopped-and there is the best restaurant called Cutters right across the street that you can eat overlooking the water-and we told them it was our first time in Seattle and they gave us a free sample of the salmon chowder and Seattles best beer!!!! It was the best day trip yet (i hope to have more!!) but I have heard of others that took the public transportation down to the needle-it just added like 30 minutes travel time!! :) Have fun!!! Becky Crozier - March 2007:
Take the Underground Tour if you go to Seattle!
I've taken it twice and laughed a lot both times.
Here's an excerpt from http://www.undergroundtour.com/
"While you roam the subterranean passages that once were the main roadways and first-floor storefronts of old downtown Seattle, Tour Guides regale you with humorous stories our pioneers didn’t want you to hear. It’s history with a twist!"
Mike Summers; August 2010:
Seattle now has a light rail that takes you directly from the airport to downtown Seattle. It's about a 35 minute trip. Here's the website: http://www.soundtransit.org/x11204.xml You simply walk to the station at the airport from the Frontier Gate. It's about a ten minute walk, but the trains are clean and efficient. You buy your ticket at a kiosk at the train station just before going upstairs to ride the train. Cash or credit is accepted.
You should also visit Pikes Place Market where you'll find the first Starbuck's Coffeeshop. Here's the website for the Market: http://pikeplacemarket.org/
There are a lot of nice places to eat. (See my update below for May 2011) Anthony's Pier 66 is great to sit outside in the summer. It's a little pricey, but the food is good and the view of the harbor and Mount Ranier are nice. Here's their website: http://www.anthonys.com/restaurants/info/pier66.html. We stopped by the Skyy Lounge at 1919 First Avenue for happy hour. The 'back bar' has an amazing view of the Seattle harbor. Drink prices during happy hour are first-rate (Link: http://www.yelp.com/biz/sonyas-bar-and-grill-seattle ). They say it's gay-friendly, but heck, everyone is friendly at this place. Don't miss it!
We visited the Boeing Museum north of the airport and south of downtown. You can walk through various planes/jets like the original Air Force One or a Concorde. My kids (when they were in middle/high school) really enjoyed it. Here's the website: http://www.museumofflight.org/ . John Kamlet mentions which bus to take in his post below. We also drove north of Seattle to Everett, WA to tour the Boeing assembly plant where they build 747's and 777's. It's the world's largest building (by volume) and worth the visit; Website: http://www.museumofflight.org/
Seattle is also a great day trip if you want to take in an afternoon Seattle Mariner game. The light rail stops by the stadium and the Pyramid Brewing Company is across the street from the park. Here's information about transportation to Safeco Field: http://seattle.mariners.mlb.com/sea/ballpark/sea_ballpark_transportation.jsp
And here's the website for the Pyramid Brewery: http://www.pyramidbrew.com/ I love the Hefe beer, and the food is great!
Lastly, you can easily drive from Seattle to Vancouver, BC. Frontier used to fly direct to Vancouver, and my wife and I fell in love with the city. In February 2010, I drove up to Vancouver from Seattle for the Winter Olympics. Rental car companies allow you to drive to Canada (you should always ask beforehand). I posted a few things in the Vancouver scouttraveltips about it.
Enjoy!
Mike Summers
John Kamlet - October 2010:
We took Mike Summers' advice and took the light rail from Sea/Tac to the Westlake station downtown. It's only $2.50 per person each way and dropped us about 3 blocks from our hotel. We stayed at the Warwick Hotel, which gave us an airline employee discount, and is located within walking distance of everything in downtown Seattle. It's best to call for rates.
The Pacific Science Museum is a must see located in Seattle Center near the Space Needle. They have a lot of interactive exhibits for "kids" of all ages, plus IMAX. The exhibits change frequently.
Another must see is the Museum of Flight at Boeing Field. If you catch the 124 bus on 3rd Ave, it will take you directly to the museum (about a 30 minute ride) for $2 per person. Exact change is required for the bus and light rail.
If you take the ferry to Bainbridge Island, be sure to try the crab bisque at Doc's Marina Grill
Mike Summers; May 2011:
See my write-up above AND just got back from a kick-butt weekend. Three more restaurants to try are all in-a-row at 4th Avenue and Virginia Streets (Map: http://classic.mapquest.com/maps?city=Seattle&state=WA&country=US&latitude=47.6064&longitude=-122.330803&geocode=CITY ) . They are owned by the same genius chef. We put a reservation in at "Serious Pie" (Website: http://tomdouglas.com/index.php?page=serious-pie ), which is anywhere from a 20-45 minute wait; then we walked next door to Dahlia Lounge for before-dinner drinks (Website: http://tomdouglas.com/index.php?page=dahlia-lounge ). Seroius Pie called us on our cell phone with a ten-minute warning; so, we went back to Serious Pie and ate dinner. The sweet fennel sausage, roasted peppers, and provolone pizza is great. After eating some awesome gourmet pizza at Seroius Pie, we walked a 1/2 block to Lola (Website: http://tomdouglas.com/index.php?page=lola) for the unworldly Coconut Cream Pie (that is not on the menu), but you can ask for it because it's that good,and had Irish coffee to round out a spectacular date night. If you want to extend your evening by enjoying some live music (with no-cover), head on over to the Triple Door (Website: http://www.thetripledoor.net/Our-Story.aspx ). The Triple Door features entertainment on both their Main Stage (which will cost you $), or you can visit the Muisicquarium for local talent at no cover charge. They also have a nice happy hour. Check the website for details.
Enjoy!
Mike Summers
Sharon O'Leary - October 2011:
I have been using public transportation while in Seattle. Once I get off the train (Link Lightrail) I always catch a bus. You can purchase an Orca card ($5 initial fee) that can be reloaded as needed. I put a free app on my phone called One Bus Away and have found it to be most useful. Not only does it give a pretty accurate time of arrival but also list all the stops along the way on the map page. This is great when the weather is really rainy so I can stay indoors until the last couple of minutes of the bus arrival. It is also helpful when planning my next destination. If you stay at the same hotel, you can bookmark that stop and the next time you log in it will give an updated time of arrival.
Unknown - September 2011:
We took the light rail from the airport - takes about 30 minutes and costs $2.75/person. After landing take the Skywalk 2 and follow the signs - it is about 3/10 of a mile to the light rail (level four of the parking structure) We got off on the University station downtoan and it is litterally a block south to the Harbor steps whick takes you right to the Waterfront (Ferries, Pike Market) area. Be sure to ride one of the Ferries - we did Bainbridge island this time (about 30 minutes each way). A day trip is perfect to explore Pike Market area. Stayed at a great place - Inn at Harbor Inn. A little pricey but great if you are only spending one night.
Cheryl Hydrick - September 2007:
From the airport, Bay 2, use the Metro Transit bus that comes every 15 minutes to take you downtown for 1.50. You need to have exact change. The bus is an express number 194 and uses the highway and a tunnel downtown. The tunnel is much like an underground subway and has certain stations that it stops at rather than streets. Very easy and convenient, taking about 30 minutes. Taxis take around the same time and are approximately 28 dollars. During the day buses are free in the metro area in certain perimeters.
Gina Chapin - March 2007:
We went to Seattle in November- It was awesome-we rented a car for the day but ended up parking it at the needle and taking the tram to downtown where we walked from the mall down to Union square (Pikes Market Place) and shopped-and there is the best restaurant called Cutters right across the street that you can eat overlooking the water-and we told them it was our first time in Seattle and they gave us a free sample of the salmon chowder and Seattles best beer!!!! It was the best day trip yet (i hope to have more!!) but I have heard of others that took the public transportation down to the needle-it just added like 30 minutes travel time!! :) Have fun!!!
Becky Crozier - March 2007:
Take the Underground Tour if you go to Seattle!
I've taken it twice and laughed a lot both times.
Here's an excerpt from http://www.undergroundtour.com/
"While you roam the subterranean passages that once were the main roadways and first-floor storefronts of old downtown Seattle, Tour Guides regale you with humorous stories our pioneers didn’t want you to hear. It’s history with a twist!"
Mike Summers; August 2010:
Seattle now has a light rail that takes you directly from the airport to downtown Seattle. It's about a 35 minute trip. Here's the website: http://www.soundtransit.org/x11204.xml You simply walk to the station at the airport from the Frontier Gate. It's about a ten minute walk, but the trains are clean and efficient. You buy your ticket at a kiosk at the train station just before going upstairs to ride the train. Cash or credit is accepted.
Once you get downtown you can connect at the Westlake Station to the monorail an head toward the Space Needle. Hotels are numerous near Westlake and the Space Needle. Here's a website for Seattle:
http://www.seattlesouthside.com/?utm_source=yahoo&utm_medium=cpc&utm_term=pike%20place%20market&utm_campaign=calendar
You should also visit Pikes Place Market where you'll find the first Starbuck's Coffeeshop. Here's the website for the Market:
http://pikeplacemarket.org/
There are a lot of nice places to eat. (See my update below for May 2011) Anthony's Pier 66 is great to sit outside in the summer. It's a little pricey, but the food is good and the view of the harbor and Mount Ranier are nice. Here's their website: http://www.anthonys.com/restaurants/info/pier66.html. We stopped by the Skyy Lounge at 1919 First Avenue for happy hour. The 'back bar' has an amazing view of the Seattle harbor. Drink prices during happy hour are first-rate (Link: http://www.yelp.com/biz/sonyas-bar-and-grill-seattle ). They say it's gay-friendly, but heck, everyone is friendly at this place. Don't miss it!
We visited the Boeing Museum north of the airport and south of downtown. You can walk through various planes/jets like the original Air Force One or a Concorde. My kids (when they were in middle/high school) really enjoyed it. Here's the website: http://www.museumofflight.org/ . John Kamlet mentions which bus to take in his post below. We also drove north of Seattle to Everett, WA to tour the Boeing assembly plant where they build 747's and 777's. It's the world's largest building (by volume) and worth the visit; Website: http://www.museumofflight.org/
Seattle is also a great day trip if you want to take in an afternoon Seattle Mariner game. The light rail stops by the stadium and the Pyramid Brewing Company is across the street from the park. Here's information about transportation to Safeco Field: http://seattle.mariners.mlb.com/sea/ballpark/sea_ballpark_transportation.jsp
And here's the website for the Pyramid Brewery: http://www.pyramidbrew.com/ I love the Hefe beer, and the food is great!
Lastly, you can easily drive from Seattle to Vancouver, BC. Frontier used to fly direct to Vancouver, and my wife and I fell in love with the city. In February 2010, I drove up to Vancouver from Seattle for the Winter Olympics. Rental car companies allow you to drive to Canada (you should always ask beforehand). I posted a few things in the Vancouver scouttraveltips about it.
Enjoy!
Mike Summers
John Kamlet - October 2010:
We took Mike Summers' advice and took the light rail from Sea/Tac to the Westlake station downtown. It's only $2.50 per person each way and dropped us about 3 blocks from our hotel. We stayed at the Warwick Hotel, which gave us an airline employee discount, and is located within walking distance of everything in downtown Seattle. It's best to call for rates.
The Pacific Science Museum is a must see located in Seattle Center near the Space Needle. They have a lot of interactive exhibits for "kids" of all ages, plus IMAX. The exhibits change frequently.
Another must see is the Museum of Flight at Boeing Field. If you catch the 124 bus on 3rd Ave, it will take you directly to the museum (about a 30 minute ride) for $2 per person. Exact change is required for the bus and light rail.
If you take the ferry to Bainbridge Island, be sure to try the crab bisque at Doc's Marina Grill
Mike Summers; May 2011:
See my write-up above AND just got back from a kick-butt weekend. Three more restaurants to try are all in-a-row at 4th Avenue and Virginia Streets (Map: http://classic.mapquest.com/maps?city=Seattle&state=WA&country=US&latitude=47.6064&longitude=-122.330803&geocode=CITY ) . They are owned by the same genius chef. We put a reservation in at "Serious Pie" (Website: http://tomdouglas.com/index.php?page=serious-pie ), which is anywhere from a 20-45 minute wait; then we walked next door to Dahlia Lounge for before-dinner drinks (Website: http://tomdouglas.com/index.php?page=dahlia-lounge ). Seroius Pie called us on our cell phone with a ten-minute warning; so, we went back to Serious Pie and ate dinner. The sweet fennel sausage, roasted peppers, and provolone pizza is great. After eating some awesome gourmet pizza at Seroius Pie, we walked a 1/2 block to Lola (Website: http://tomdouglas.com/index.php?page=lola) for the unworldly Coconut Cream Pie (that is not on the menu), but you can ask for it because it's that good,and had Irish coffee to round out a spectacular date night. If you want to extend your evening by enjoying some live music (with no-cover), head on over to the Triple Door (Website: http://www.thetripledoor.net/Our-Story.aspx ). The Triple Door features entertainment on both their Main Stage (which will cost you $), or you can visit the Muisicquarium for local talent at no cover charge. They also have a nice happy hour. Check the website for details.
Enjoy!
Mike Summers